Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Il Derby della Madonnina: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

You would have to go back over a hundred years now to try to understand the rivalry between AC Milan and FC Internazionale. Besides sharing a stadium and being city rivals, there was a difference in philosophy that caused the latter group to secede and form their own club: Milan wanted to stick with all Italian players, Inter wanted to win at all costs by bringing in the top players regardless of nationality. Obviously, Milan have since changed their philosophy in order to be competitive, although they have historically still utilized a majority of Italian players in comparison. But it is Inter's win at all costs attitude that has made them the most hated club in Serie A.

The epic battleground that is the San Siro

Much of the reason for this passionate hatred stems from recent years. Indeed, I always hated Inter with a sporting passion, but it was the events since 2006, especially the Calciopoli match fixing scandal, that gave me my bitter, cynical, and unapologetic loathing of them. In fact those that know me know that "Inter" is the worst insult I have in my arsenal of filthy vocabulary. Additionally, I don't casually refer to them as the merda. For one, merda, while being stinking inanimate waste, is not doing anything to further its status at the bottom of society. Whereas Inter consistently is, which makes it an insult to merda to make the comparison. It's simply not fair to merda. Suffice it to say that I loathe Inter more than just about anything in this world, and I don't think I am entirely alone in this, being both a Milan fan and a human being.

Enemies for club, teammates for country

The Derby della Madonnina is thus always a heated fixture which is much anticipated and watched, even by non fans of either side of the Milan divide. Like all great derbies, bragging rights are more important than the 3 points, and some wins or losses stick with the players mentally even past the next derby. But hatred aside, it is decided on the pitch, amongst the players, all of whom I attempt to respect for 90 minutes, regardless of their club affiliation.

Milan hold the record for the biggest win in a derby, they won 8-1 way back in March of 1918. For a highlight of other infamous derbies, check here. But for now, here are a few videos to remind you of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Milan:

The Good

Inter 0, Milan 6 • May 2001

The Bad

Milan 0, Inter 0 • October 2004

The Ugly

Milan 0, Inter 4 • August 2009

So there you have the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Let's hope for no repeats of the latter two this weekend. In fact, I only include the last two lest we forget how badly things can go wrong. Let's hope our boys go into the match with humility and determination, as clear as possible of the rivalry and focused only on the 3 points. Because if they do, and they win, they will have until May to celebrate and gloat until the next one.